In this episode, I give some of things that I have learned as a Youth Director over the past 8+ years. God has taught me so much and I want to share some of the tips and truths that I have learned…with you! This episode is filled with philosophical and or practical tips to help a Youth Director impact teens for the cause of Christ. In a world where the average Youth Director lasts 18 MONTHS, we need more men and women who are willing to make in a difference in the lives of our youth. If you...

In this episode, I give some of things that I have learned as Youth Director over the past 8+ years. God has taught me so much and I want to share some of the tips and truths that I have learned...with you! This episode is filled with philosophical and/or practical tips to help a Youth Director impact teens for the cause of Christ. In a world where the average Youth Director lasts 18 MONTHS, we need more men and women who are willing to make in a difference in the lives of our youth. ...

Sandy Creek Stirrings is not a political podcast. We don't usually discuss or talk about the "newsy" current and cultural events that take place in our nation and world. But! An event that only happens every four years just occurred and I want to share some of my thoughts on the 2024 election with you. In this episode I share some of my thoughts on: - Why we should praise the Lord for the outcome of this election. - Why electing conservative, Biblically leaning leadership is good for...

Here is another “Things I Think” episode! This episode is a completely different format than what we usually record on Sandy Creek Stirrings. In this episode, I share with you a few random thoughts that have been on my mind – some musings, some “ponderings”, some things that I have been meditating on. Like: - Why I am excited about the next generation of Christians. - Why fundamentalism is not dead. - The main concern I have for the next generation of Christians. - Why the term...

This episode is going to be a very niche episode that deals with questions I have received recently. I have received many questions from men, lately, on the subject of attire, wardrobe, and dressing your best - along with many more practical questions in regards to the subject of clothing. This episode is geared toward those who are going into ministry, those who want to start dressing sharply for church, or those who want to improve their closet in general. In this episode, we discuss: -...

In this episode, I present 10 different things that can help someone identify the overall health of the church. Now, none of these 10 reasons, in-and-of- themselves or by themselves, can determine the health of a church. Yet, they do give a good idea concerning the overall health of a church when grouped together. The items discussed today are not meant to be a coroner's report - they are to be a yearly check-up! They are to identify how we can enable our church to be MORE HEALTHY!

Having grown up in church and having been on church staff for almost 10 years, I have seen a plethora of reasons for why people leave their church. And sadly... Most of them fall flat when compared to what the Bible has to say about leaving a church. The truth be told - there is only one Biblical reason for someone leaving their church and we discuss that reason in this episode!

Sandy Creek Stirrings has reached 300 episodes! We are so excited for what the Lord has allowed us to see and accomplish over the past 4 years and 300 episodes. We really hope that it has a been a blessing and encouragement to you. We continue forward in the future with our goal of "stirring you up for the cause of Christ"! Thank you for being a listener! In this episode, we take a look at the number 300 in the Bible. In the beginning of the episode, I spend some time briefly talking...

One more night with the frogs. This is a conscious decision Pharaoh made in the book of Exodus. He purposefully chose to spend one more night with the frogs. We look at his decision and say, "That's ridiculous! He must have been crazy!" Yet, how many times do we choose to spend "one more night with the frogs"? Listen to this message to find out more about how we knowingly make the same decision.

If a fellow church member asks you: "Why do you think our church is the best?", what do you tell them? What is your answer? What is your reasoning? Beyond doctrine, every member should have things that they love about their church. In this episode, we will discuss some of those reasons and talk about: - What makes a church "the best"? - Should someone believe that their church is "the best"? - Why people should sell-out for their church. - And a special "curve-ball" thought at the end of...

When does someone become a church member?  At baptism or later on? What is the door to church membership? Is it baptism? Discipleship? Fruit of salvation? Repentance of sin? For some, this may seem like a ridiculous question, but I think you will find today’s episode to be very interesting.  There are more conversations and questions about this topic than you might think. So, join me in this episode as we deep dive into the subject and analyze it from every single angle to arrive at a...

This episode begins a new mini-series on the podcast: Church 101! This series will take time to cover and discuss pertinent questions and subjects that many people think and have in regard to their church. I believe that you will find this series to be helpful and beneficial in your relationship with your church and how you think about it. From handling church problems, to finding out how and when to leave a church, to what the Bible says about common church subjects - this series will cover...

Have you ever felt like quitting? Giving up? Throwing in the towel? Raising the white flag? I believe that we all, at times, have considered quitting things that we should never quit: marriage, raising kids, career, church, or living for God. During these times, what can we do to remind us to not quit? In this episode, I give you 13 reasons why I can't quit and challenge you to make your own list. This list will encourage you and help to prevent you from quitting when times get tough!

Not too long ago, someone asked me the following question: “In Isaiah 45:7, it says that God creates darkness and evil.  I thought God couldn’t create evil or wrong.  Is God really speaking?  What is the verse talking about?” This is a question that many ask and is a passage to consider. Join me in this episode as we answer this question!

We have a tremendous heritage. When I consider the great preachers of yesteryear who valiantly stood for the faith and impacted the world, I cannot help but be inspired to do more with my life for the cause of Christ. One of the most encouraging and yet humbling things I find myself doing is learning about these great preachers of old and following their example – as they followed Christ. In this episode, I give you a list of preachers from yesteryear, a short bio for each one, reasons why I...

We have a tremendous heritage. When I consider the great preachers of yesteryear who valiantly stood for the faith and impacted the world, I cannot help but be inspired to do more with my life for the cause of Christ. One of the most encouraging and yet humbling things I find myself doing is learning about these great preachers of old and following their example - as they followed Christ. In this episode, I give you a list of preachers from yesteryear, a short bio for each one, reasons...

Every person has a throne in their life and heart. From that throne proceeds the decrees and direction of your life.  That doesn’t mean that the kingdom will not sometimes depart from the commands, but overall – the direction is given by the throne.  For every throne, there must be a king.  Though we do not have grand coronation ceremonies, as that of Europe, we do indeed (as individual people) select the king that sits on the throne of our life. It could be God & the Bible…or it could...

Romans 9 is a passage that some Calvinists use to try and uphold their false doctrine. At face value, some of the verses in Romans 9 can be a little confusing and, at points, appear to be alluding to Calvinist doctrine. So what do we do with Romans 9? What is it actually saying? How do we answer the Calvinist who tries to misuse and abuse Romans 9? Walk with me through Romans 9 as we go verse-by-verse through the chapter in this episode!

Have you ever had a brother or sister in Christ hurt you? Offend you? Step on you like a doormat? How can we, effectively, live a life that stands FOR the very brethren that sometimes hurt us? How can we get past the problems and issues that sometimes come along with working with people? Listen to this episode to find the answers to these questions and more today!

We hold freedoms - both spiritually and as Americans - because of the sacrifice of someone else. They were willing to go through the trial and difficulties they faced because of their ultimate desire to continue. The question is: will you continue? Join me in the episode for a compelling reminder to continue in our faith and freedom, and for a special announcement at the end of the episode!

Dr. Dave McCoy was a wonderful man of God that I not only had the pleasure of knowing on a ministry level, but on a personal level as well. The impact he has left on me is one that I will carry for the rest of my life. Before he passed away, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Dr. McCoy on the podcast (episode #64). I would encourage all listeners to go back and listen to that episode. This message is sure to be a tremendous blessing to your heart and will challenge you in your...

Here is another "Things I Think" episode! This episode is a completely different format than what we usually record on Sandy Creek Stirrings. In this episode, I share with you a few random thoughts that have been on my mind – some musings, some “ponderings”, some things that I have been meditating on. Like: - An under-used tool that many Christians don't make enough use of. - An Old Testament theme that I hope does not gain any further traction. - A practical way to thank the Lord and...

A big decision needs to be made - a career choice, a path to take, a place to move, a position to accept, a road to travel. Which way should I go? What should I do? Many times, Christians have been taught to look for a "sign" or lay out a "fleece" before making decisions. Yet, is this actually a Biblical necessity for making wise decisions? Should we follow Gideon's example and lay out a fleece? Join me in this episode as we dive into the subject of signs and fleeces!

In Luke 17, Jesus is approached by the Pharisees with a question of His coming kingdom. Jesus digs to the heart of the matter, telling them that they are looking for the wrong thing - He is the kingdom of God! After the discussion, He turns to His disciples and begins to tell them the timeline of His coming kingdom. At the end of this conversation, He brings up one of the most fascinating and under-studied verses of all Scripture: "Remember Lot's wife." Join me in this episode as we dive...